Spain to outline new strategy for relations with Africa

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Wednesday a forthcoming strategy to enhance Spain's relations with Africa, with a special focus on West Africa and the Sahel region, as reported by Africanews.

The announcement, which provided limited specifics, coincides with Sanchez's ongoing three-day tour of the region. During this visit, he discussed migration and security issues with leaders from Mauritania, Gambia, and Senegal. These countries are key departure points for migrants attempting to reach Europe via Spain's Canary Islands.

Spain recently signed several agreements with Mauritania to combat human trafficking and smuggling. The agreements also extend Spain's "circular migration program" to Mauritanian nationals, allowing selected individuals to work temporarily in Spain.

Since January, over 22,000 irregular migrants have arrived in the Canary Islands, more than twice the number recorded in the same period last year, according to Spain's Interior Ministry. While these arrivals have strained local resources, Spain faces a growing need for low-skilled workers due to its aging population.

Reflecting on Spain's own history of migration, Sanchez noted, “Not long ago, Spain was also a country of migrants... they sought better lives, just like those who now undertake this risky journey," as quoted by the Associated Press.

This trip marks Sanchez's second visit to Mauritania this year and the first-ever visit by a Spanish Prime Minister to Gambia.